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Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Hasan Almasi on Unsplash Thoughts By What Power In chapter 4, after Peter and John were arrested for talking about Jesus after the lame beggar was healed, and they were standing before the religious leaders, they were asked, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?”, what does scripture say happened? It says, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…” Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit! Do you remember how often Peter would put his foot in his mouth when He was with Jesus? Sure, he got a few things right, but he often said exactly the wrong things, didn’t he? And now that he is filled with the Holy Spirit, God speaks just the right words through him.  Earlier in this chapter, we are told that after he preached, the number of the men added to the church was now about five thousand. The day before it was three thousand. So the Holy Spirit’s filling has made him a powerful and convincing speaker, wouldn’t you say? Peter Is Transformed What happened on the night that Jesus was crucified? Peter wouldn't even admit to knowing Jesus. He was afraid and perhaps even ashamed to acknowledge Jesus. And now, the words he speaks have brought about five thousand men to believe in Jesus. And we don’t know how many more women there were. So many of us are afraid to stand up and speak the name of Jesus. Here in Acts chapter four, Peter says to the religious leaders, “…if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, 10let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead-by this name this man stands here before you in good health. 11He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. 12And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." How is that for boldness?  Now get this: “13Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.” The Same Message Why did they recognize them as having been with Jesus? Because of the Holy Spirit’s speaking through them! They spoke in the same way as Jesus did! Well of course they did! God is One. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit have the same message because they are One. The point to take away from this is that if you will let the Holy Spirit speak through you, you will have the right words to say…words that are from God and words that will change the hearts of people. Boldness And my friend, we need this kind of filling of the Holy Spirit as much today as they needed that day, because there are those who tell us, like the religious leaders told them, “Do not speak of Jesus!” You know it’s true, and it is only getting worse. If you are a believer, be ready to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit. You will be amazed at what He will do through you. Today's Bible Translation Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 3 HCSB, Ch. 4 NASB Support Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here. When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

John 5:118 (ESV) The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath 5:1After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3In these lay a multitude of invalidsblind, lame, and paralyzed. 5One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, Do you want to be healed? 7The sick man answered him, Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me. 8Jesus said to him, Get up, take up your bed, and walk. 9And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. 10So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed. 11But he answered them, The man who healed me, that man said to me, Take up your bed, and walk. 12They asked him, Who is the man who said to you, Take up your bed and walk? 13Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you. 15The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17But Jesus answered them, My Father is working until now, and I am working. Jesus Is Equal with God 18This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

Our modern life is filled with questions about how to live at an optimal level. What are our best practices for our environment? Our planet? What about our own bodies? How do we achieve mental health, physical strength, and longevity? Social media needs to be part of this line of questioning. How should it be used? Can we find ways to utilize the platform to serve actual good?Things to ConsiderAll of life: a contest 5:22The right question to ask 7:58Social media conforms to scripture 9:14PrinciplesSocial media usage can be rewarded by Christ 9:45Social media usage should have a tight focus 16:38Social media usage should promote unity amongst God's people 23:25Social media usage should edify God's people 26:50Social Media usage should share the gospel 28:25PracticesMake posts that invite people to real human interaction 11:24Make posts that support real gospel work happening around the world 14:00Make posts that promote scripture and spiritual growth resources 17:47Consider Jesus and His specific purposes before posting 21:32Take ten minutes to meditate on whatever you're about to post 22:24Survey your last ten posts 30:35Best practices for viewing 31:45ScripturesSee 1 Corinthians 9v23-272 Timothy 4v7-8I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.1 Corinthians 3v12-13Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.See John 17James 3v18Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.Hebrews 12v14Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the LordRomans 14v19Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.1 Thessalonians 5v11Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.1 Corinthians 10v23All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.Romans 15v2Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.Ephesians 5v15-16See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.Psalm 90v12So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.Matthew 5v30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.LinksFor all things Philly Young Adults visit phillyyoungadults.com

Discipleship Series #13 A Disciples Heart Was Made For INTIMACY WITH GOD By Pastor George Lehman (Our heart was made to be God’s home.) The word Intimacy means: - * closely acquainted (to know a person / up close and personal) * Intimate friend – Someone you can trust and confide in * Relationship between – It’s a strong bond, it’s always two sided Paul’s greatest desire was for intimacy with God Philippians 3:8 and 10 (Amp) – 8But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him-a joy unequalled]. For His sake I have lost everything and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ. 10And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did]. How intimately do you want to know God? It is possible to go through the motions of obeying God and His commands. All this and yet: - not have an intimate relationship with God.                           So busy with the things of God and miss the God of the things. Isaiah 45:5 (Msg) – “I AM GOD, the only God there is. Besides Me there are no real gods. I’m the One who armed you for this work, though you don’t even know Me.” Did you know that Moses had this type of relationship in the beginning of his ministry with God? Exodus 33:12-13 (Amp) – 12Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have also found favour in My sight.’ 13Now therefore, I pray you, if I have found favour in Your sight, let me know Your ways so that I may know You[becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, recognizing and understanding Your ways more clearly] and that I may find grace and favour in Your sight. And consider also, that this nation is Your people.” At this point in Moses’ life he had been obedient to God’s instructions For example: - He led Israel out of Egyptian bondage. 1A     This is a type of us coming out of bondage to a new life in Christ. He helped Israel pass through the Red Sea. 2A     It’s a type of crossing over from death to life – through the obedience of baptism. I Corinthians 10:1-2 (NIV) – For I do not want you to be ignorant of that fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea Acts 2:38 (NIV) – Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. He led Israel to Mount Sinai where God gave him the 10 Commandments. 3A     This is a type of the clear instructions of how we should live as God’s children – as per His word. The amazing thing is Moses obeyed Gods instructions. But yet he never knew God in an intimate way. Note Exodus 33:13(NIV) – “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favour with you.” The sad similarity to this story is: Some Christians today are following God’s commandments and instructions. But do not “know Him” in an up close personal intimate way. How I remember serving God in my own life, out of fear, legalistic, keeping rules, trying to be obedient. In case God zapped me. When I see this scripture, I realise God is not only a God of wrath, fury, anger, just and Righteous. But a God of love who longs for His children to have an intimate relationship with Him. Exodus 34:5-7(NIV) – 5Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. 6And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” This passage, God reveals Himself in a personal way.  Then Moses said, “Now show me your Glory” Exodus 33:18 Moses asks to see God’s glory and God shows him His character. Gods glory is: - * Gods character * God’s Nature The way He relates to the prince of his creation “mankind”. God never gave Moses some vision of His great majesty, a tour of the universe, or showed Him all his wealth.  No!!! Here are 3 wonderful characteristics of God that I trust will help us understand something about our awesome God. So we can develop a more intimate relationship with God. (Note Moses’ reaction) Exodus 34:8 “Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped.” (Draws into an intimacy with God) Romans 2:4 (NIV) – “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” Firstly 1. First to know God in an intimate way. We must understand that God is a compassionate and gracious God. David sums it up: Psalm 145:7-9 (NIV) – 7They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. 8The Lord is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and rich in love. 9The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. God is so compassionate that when we sin, He graciously and mercifully forgives us. God is so compassionate that He blesses us with food, a roof over our heads, jobs, provision and protection Words cannot express how great our God is. James 5:11b – The Lord is full of pity and compassion and tenderness and mercy. You can this week go to God and thank Him for being so wonderful to you. Secondly 2 To know God in an intimate way – we must understand that God is slow to anger. Some people think God is like our earthly father. They think God is quick to become angry with us when we make a mistake. However, the truth is that when we make a mistake, God is patient with us and slow to anger. Psalm 103:8-11 (NIV) – 8The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9He will not always accuse, nor will he harbour his anger forever; 10he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11For as high as the heavens are above the earth. So great is his love for those who fear him. God is not like us. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) – 8”For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9”As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” When we get angry, we want to get even – we hold grudges, we become bitter, we live with Unforgiveness, we act Love-less Thank God He does not treat us as our sins deserve. He is slow to anger. Thirdly 3 To know God in an intimate way we must understand that God is abounding in LOVE. John 3:16-17(NIV) – 16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. No greater act of love has ever been demonstrated than when Jesus gave His life to save ours. To reconnect us to have an intimate relationship with Him. Romans 5:8 NIV “That God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. I John 4:8 – God is LOVE. Aren’t you glad you can have an intimate relationship with this kind of God? Who is compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Conclusion If you do not have an intimate relationship with God – it’s probably because you don’t know Him very well or maybe you’ve never met Him in a personal way.

God My Sovereign I Samuel 2:3 …for the Lord is a God of knowledge 
 and by him actions are weighed… Three People who Experienced God's Sovereignty I Samuel 1 - 3 Hannah Eli Samuel I Samuel 1 I Samuel 2 I Samuel 3 I Samuel 3:20-21 And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord. 21And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord. Hannah- Persistence Eli- Neglect Samuel- receptivity I Chronicles 29 10Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. 11Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. 12Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. 13Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Occasion: Proper 13 Sunday, August 02, 2020 Year (cycle): A   The Collect:  Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Old Testament:  Genesis 32:22-31 [Alternate: Isaiah 55:1-5] 22The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. 24Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the day is breaking.' But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go, unless you bless me.' 27So he said to him, ‘What is your name?' And he said, ‘Jacob.' 28Then the man said, ‘You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.' 29Then Jacob asked him, ‘Please tell me your name.' But he said, ‘Why is it that you ask my name?' And there he blessed him. 30So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, ‘For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.' 31The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. Alternate: 1Ho, everyone who thirsts,     come to the waters; and you that have no money,     come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk     without money and without price. 2Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,     and your labour for that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,     and delight yourselves in rich food. 3Incline your ear, and come to me;     listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant,     my steadfast, sure love for David. 4See, I made him a witness to the peoples,     a leader and commander for the peoples. 5See, you shall call nations that you do not know,     and nations that do not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,     for he has glorified you. Psalm:  Psalm 17: 1-7, 16 [Alternate: Psalm 145: 8-9, 15-22] 1 Hear my plea of innocence, O Lord;    give heed to my cry; *        listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips. 2 Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *        let your eyes be fixed on justice. 3 Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *        melt me down; you will find no impurity in me. 4 I give no offense with my mouth as others do; *        I have heeded the words of your lips. 5 My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; *        in your paths my feet shall not stumble. 6 I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; *        incline your ear to me and hear my words. 7 Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, *        O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand        from those who rise up against them. 16 But at my vindication I shall see your face; *        when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding        your likeness. Alternate: 8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, *        slow to anger and of great kindness. 9 The Lord is loving to everyone *        and his compassion is over all his works. 15 The Lord upholds all those who fall; *        he lifts up those who are bowed down. 16 The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, *        and you give them their food in due season. 17 You open wide your hand *        and satisfy the needs of every living creature. 18 The Lord is righteous in all his ways *        and loving in all his works. 19 The Lord is near to those who call upon him, *        to all who call upon him faithfully. 20 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; *        he hears their cry and helps them. 21 The Lord preserves all those who love him, *        but he destroys all the wicked. 22 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; *        let all flesh bless his holy Name for ever and ever. Epistle:  Romans 9:1-5 1I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— 2I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. 4They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; 5to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Gospel:  Matthew 14:13-21 13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.' 16Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.' 17They replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.' 18And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.' 19Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Speaker or Performer: Bob Petersen Date of Delivery: August 4, 2019 QuotesCharles Capps Death Testimony:On Friday, February 21, 2014 Charles Capps told his wife Peggy that he would be “going home” on Sunday. He went to bed on Saturday night and woke up in Heaven about 5:30 Sunday morning, February 23, 2014.ScripturesHebrews 2:15and [that He] might free all those who through [the haunting] fear of death were held in slavery throughout their lives.1 THESSALONIANS 4:13Now we do not want you to be uninformed, believers, about those who are asleep [in death], so that you will not grieve [for them] as the others do who have no hope [beyond this present life].Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil;For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.John 11:25Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.Revelation 1:17-19 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last,and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.ArticlesAFRAID OF DEATH OR DYING? BIBLE STUDY ON FEAR OF DEATHConquer the fear of death and dying with God’s helpby Doug Britton, MFTDo you fear death or dying?Many people, including Christians, are afraid of death or afraid of dying. In fact many people are consumed by the fear of death and dying. Or they are afraid of suffering as they die. If this describes you, you aren't alone. Even David, a man who wrote much of the Bible, sometimes was afraid of dying:My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. (Psalm 55:4)Do you worry about end-of-life issues?Many people have end-of-life fears. For example, some people fear that they will be a burden to others in their last years, or that their spouse or children who are left behind will suffer.If you worry about or fear death or dying, or if you have other end-of-life fears, take some time to read and meditate on the passages in this Bible study. Pray as you read. Ask God to remove your death fears and help you see things through his eyes. God does not want you to be afraid of death or afraid of dying.When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)Turn to God to overcome your fear of death or dyingJesus came to reconcile us with God, free us from the fear of death and dying, and to give us the assurance of eternal life with him.How can we be reconciled with God?Jesus said, You must be born again (John 3:7). He also said, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).The apostle Paul helped us understand how to be reconciled with God when he wrote the following:If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)God created you, and he loves you more than you can imagine.If you have not yet done so, I invite you to surrender your life to Christ by saying the following as a prayer:Dear Lord, I confess that I am a sinner. Please forgive my sins and accept me as your child. I invite you to be my Savior and the Lord of my life. I surrender myself to you in the name of Jesus Christ.If you prayed with sincerity, Christ accepted you into his Kingdom. You are now a Christian — a follower of Jesus. Welcome to the family of God!Related: What is salvation or being born again?Jesus came to set us free from the fear of death and dying.When you are with Jesus, you do not need to be afraid of death or afraid of dying. There is no more need to fear the end of your life.Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Hebrews 2:14-15)Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:25-26)Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. (Psalm 116:15)Overcome the fear of death or dying by thinking about heaven.It's normal to be afraid of death or dying. One way to overcome being afraid of death or being afraid of dying is to think about spending eternity with Jesus. God has an amazing plan.Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:23)Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling. (2 Corinthians 5:1-2)For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. (2 Corinthians 5:4)We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20)Don't be afraid of death or dying — heaven will be amazing.Death is not the end of life. Your spiritual body is eternal, and heaven will be unbelievably wonderful.Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8)So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him—but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)Don't be afraid of death or dying — you will be with Jesus.If you have been reconciled with God, you are part of his family. You will be with Jesus forever.Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:1-3)If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. (Romans 6:5)Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)Don't be afraid of death or dying — there will be no sorrow or tears in heaven.He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. (Isaiah 25:8)For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Revelation 7:17)He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelation 21:4)Related: Defeating anxiety, fear and worryDon't fear suffering before you die.God will be with you and strengthen you no matter what you go through. He will comfort you and help you overcome the fear of death and the fear of dying.Be inspired by the confidence of Paul, Peter, and John. Here's how they looked at suffering (or dying) for their faith:I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. (Romans 8:18-19)For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. (1 Peter 1:3-6)They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Revelation 12:11)God sometimes takes the righteous away to spare them from evil.The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. (Isaiah 57:1-2)Don't fear you will be a burden to others.People sometimes fear dying because they think they will be a burden to others. That's a normal end-of-life fear. But the Bible says we are all connected to one another (Romans 12:4-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). God expects us to care for one another. Although it sometimes can be a burden, caring for others can also be a blessing, for we give of ourselves that we become more like Christ.And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)Don't fear for those you will leave behind.If you die before your spouse, children, parents or other significant people in your life, they likely will miss you. If you die when they are living with you, they probably will miss your love, support, and care. Yet God loves them much more than you do.Write a will and provide as best you can for the future, then put yourself and your family in God's hands. Don't be afraid of death or dying for their sake. If you die first, God will still be with them. Remember, he loves them much more than you do.But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. (Psalm 10:14)A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. (Psalm 68:5)Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:6-8)Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)Overcome the fear of death or dying — you have a purpose.Let the verses in this study help you overcome being afraid of death or afraid of dying. But don't stop there. God wants you to make a difference while you are here on earth. He wants you to touch the world for Christ. Meditate on the verses on this page, overcome your fear of death, then make a difference for Christ!For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith. (Philippians 1:21-25)If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. (Romans 14:8)Related: You have a purposeOvercome the fear of death or dying — remember God's love.Knowing and remembering that God loves you is one of the most powerful ways to overcome the fear of death, dying, or other end-of-life issues.Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. (Psalm 136:26)For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

Ecclesiastes 12: 13Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

Matthew 16:13-20 – Finding Significance Jesus invites you to be a part of the significant work he is doing in this world. 13Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of...

Oh my goodness. So much I could say about what we read today. Where to begin? In chapter 4, after Peter and John were arrested for talking about Jesus after the lame beggar was healed, and they were standing before the religious leaders, they were asked, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?”, what does scripture say happened? It says, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…” Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit! Do you remember how often Peter would put his foot in his mouth when He was with Jesus? Sure, he got a few things right, but he often said exactly the wrong things, didn’t he? And now that he is filled with the Holy Spirit, God speaks just the right words through him. Earlier in this chapter, we are told that after he preached, the number of the men added to the church was now about five thousand. The day before it was three thousand. So the Holy Spirit’s filling has made him a powerful and convincing speaker, wouldn’t you say? What happened on the night that Jesus was crucified? Peter wouldn't even admit to knowing Jesus. He was afraid and perhaps even ashamed to acknowledge Jesus. And now, the words he speaks have brought about five thousand men to believe in Jesus. And we don’t know how many more women there were. So many of us are afraid to stand up and speak the name of Jesus. Here in Acts chapter four, Peter says to the religious leaders, “…if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, 10let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead-by this name this man stands here before you in good health. 11He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. 12And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." How is that for boldness? Now get this: “13Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.” Why did they recognize them as having been with Jesus? Because of the Holy Spirit’s speaking through them! They spoke in the same way as Jesus did! Well of course they did! God is One. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit have the same message because they are One. The point to take away from this is that if you will let the Holy Spirit speak through you, you will have the right words to say…words that are from God and words that will change the hearts of people. And my friend, we need this kind of filling of the Holy Spirit as much today as they needed that day, because there are those who tell us, like the religious leaders told them, “Do not speak of Jesus!” You know it’s true, and it is only getting worse. If you are a believer, be ready to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit. You will be amazed at what He will do through you. Your thoughts?

Speaker or Performer: John Mathis Scripture Passage(s): Ezekiel 11:14-25 Date of Delivery: December 29, 2013 I. IntroductionChristmas has come and gone again, and the Lord continues to begracious to each one of us. In the hustle and bustle of buying gifts andvisiting family and friends, I pray you all had time to quietly reflect on theunspeakable gift given to us by God in His one and only Son. Today’smessage is not a “Christmas sermon” per se; I will not be examining anyof the texts related to our Lord’s birth nor his early earthly life. What I dowant to do this morning, Lord willing, is expound from this text thecovenant mercy and faithfulness of God toward us- His blood-boughtpeople. I want to show you also from this text God’s righteousness indealing justly with rebels who scorn His covenant and mock His grace. So I hope to show you today both the preserving love of God and Hisjustice. May God help me in this enterprise.II. Background- First, I want to take a few moments to give you somebackground and context for this text.A. When Where?The events our text take place in a vision of Jerusalem, not manyyears after the first deportation of Israelites to Babylon- around theyear 592 B.C.. As God had promised through His prophets, theChaldeans, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, laid siege to Israel’s cities,taking thousands captive and killing many more. This vast judgmentcame upon Israel because of its rank idolatry and because of itsrefusal to abide by the Law of God. It is in this period that God sendssome of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament: Jeremiah,Daniel, Habakkuk, Zephaniah , and the writer of this morning’s text,the prophet Ezekiel.B. Who was Ezekiel?Ezekiel, son of Buzi, was born about 622 B.C., into the priestlyline of Aaron’s son Ithamar. He grew up during the reign of thereformer King Josiah, one of the rare godly kings in the long line ofwicked rulers of Judah. In fact, just about a year before Ezekiel’sbirth, Hilkiah the priest had found the lost book of God’s Law- theLaw that caused Josiah to tear his clothes in righteous fear andthat caused him to publicly renew Israel’s covenant with God. This brought about a brief era of national repentance, especially inJerusalem, but it was not to last. When Ezekiel was about fourteen,King Josiah was killed in battle, and the king of Egypt installed Jehoiakim as king over Judah and Jerusalem, and in his elevenyear reign he “did evil in the site of LORD” and returned the peopleto their former abominations.When Ezekiel is twenty-four and a priest in Jerusalem, KingJehoiakim dies, and his evil son Jehoiachin becomes king inJudah. This is a time of great wickedness in Judah generally, andin Jerusalem in particular. The Word of God tells us that even thepriests and higher officials defiled the Temple with idols and otherdetestable things. The next year, King Nebuchadnezzar returnedand took 10,000 more captives, including Ezekiel and his wife,back to Babylon. It is in Babylon that God gives Ezekiel visions of Jerusalem’s utter destruction and restoration, and that brings usback to our text. I want to concentrate now on three major truthsfrom this passage.II. First, even in the midst of exile, God is the “Sanctuary” of His covenantpeople (vv.14-16):A. Look back at the beginning of chapter 11, to the beginning of thisvision given to Ezekiel:1 Moreover, theSpirit lifted me up and brought me to the east gateof theLord’shouse which faced eastward. And behold,thereweretwenty-five men at the entrance of the gate, and among themI saw Jaazaniah son of Azzur andPelatiah son of Benaiah,leaders of the people.2He said to me, “Son of man, these are themen who devise iniquity andgive evil advice in this city,3who say,‘The timeis not near to build houses.Thiscityis the pot and weare the flesh.’4Therefore,prophesy against them, son of man,prophesy!”On the eve of destruction, these foolish rulers had convincedthemselves and the people that they were safe in the midst of God’sjudgment of Jerusalem. In their arrogance, they pictured themselves aspieces of flesh floating safely inside the brass walls of a caldron, and inthis protective pot they would continue their idol worship, their law-breaking, and their mockery of God’s prophetic Word.The parallel to our own time is not hard to find. Even within what callsitself the “church,” we see all too regularly those who have convincedthemselves they are safe with their idolatrous beliefs, their calling whatis evil good and what is good evil, and their scorn for God’s Word. Just as the inhabitants of Jerusalem were encouraged in their wickednessby false prophets and blind guides, so too are millions of people whocall themselves Christians. And just as those doomed citizens ofJerusalem, they have made for themselves gods to their own liking-gods who wink at their peccadillos and close their eyes to theirsinfulness. But God is not mocked. Look at verse five:5Then the Spirit of theLordfell upon me, and He said to me, “Say,‘Thus says theLord, “So you think, house of Israel, forIknowyour thoughts.6You havemultiplied your slain in this city,filling its streets withthem.”7Therefore, thus says the LordGod,“Yourslain whom you have laid in the midst ofthe city are the fleshand thiscityis the pot; butI willbring you out of it.8You havefeared a sword; so I willbring a sword upon you,” theLordGoddeclares.9“And I will bring you out of the midst of thecity and deliver you into the hands ofstrangers andexecutejudgments against you.10You willfall by the sword. I will judge youto theborder of Israel; so you shall know that I amtheLord.11Thiscitywillnot be a pot for you, nor will you be flesh inthe midst of it,butI will judge you to the border of Israel.12Thusyou will know that I am theLord; for you have not walked in Mystatutes nor have youexecuted My ordinances, but have actedaccording to the ordinances of the nations around you.”’”At this point you may be asking yourself, “I thought he was going toshow us how God is a sanctuary to his people in exile?” I’m getting to it- bear with me. Look at verse 13:13Now it came about as I prophesied, thatPelatiah son of Benaiahdied. Then I fell on my face and cried out with a loud voice andsaid, “Alas, LordGod! Will You bring the remnant of Israel to acomplete end?”So while Ezekiel is prophesying about the soon judgment of Jerusalem,one of its leaders, Pelatiah, dies. This is the same Pelatiah that Godindicted earlier in the chapter as a deviser of iniquity and an evil adviser. Ezekiel is obviously distressed by his death, falling to the ground andcrying out to God. But why? Why would the death of this wicked leadercause Ezekiel to ask God if He was going to destroy even the remnantof Israel? We get a hint in the next verse; look at verse 14:14Then the word of theLordcame to me, saying,15“Son of man,your brothers, yourrelatives,your fellow exiles and the wholehouse of Israel, all of them,are thoseto whom the inhabitants ofJerusalem have said, ‘Go far from theLord; this land has beengivenus as a possession.’So those in Jerusalem not only had convinced themselves that theywere safe within their pot- within the walls of the city, but also theydeceived themselves into believing that the reason so many were takeninto exile was to show that God had given the land to those whoremained! At some point, Ezekiel- the same Ezekiel who had seen thevisions of God’s glory and who was sent to comfort his fellow exiles and warn those in Jerusalem- even he was deceived by this lie. If evenPetaliah, a leader of Jerusalem, died under God’s judgment, what hopewas there for the remnant? If God had not spared one who ruled in thecity where God’s temple stood, would He spare the Israelites exiled in Babylon?Is this not the way we often think? We see churches, particularly in thiscountry in doctrinal freefall. Heresies long ago condemned are taughtopenly from pulpits with the greatest of pride. We see churches allaround us capitulating to the world’s redefinition of marriage, and on,and on, and on. Are we not tempted to doubt that God is still about the business of preserving His exiles and bringing glory to His name? So how does God reply to this doubt? (read v.16)Thus says the LordGod, “Though I had removed them far away among the nations and though I had scattered them among thecountries, yet I was asanctuary for them a little while in thecountries where they had gone.”The answer to Ezekiel’s impassioned question is “No”! God will notmake a “complete end” of His remnant. On the contrary; God removedthem from Jerusalem to SAVE them from the impending calamities. Thewicked people of Jerusalem had it backwards; they were left in the cityto be destroyed- not to inherit the land. Once the land was cleansed oftheir abominations, the REMNANT would be brought back to possess the land and the city.And even more than this, God says that He was the remnant’sSANCTUARY during its captivity. When we read the word“sanctuary” we often think of safe place- a place where we can escapeharm- a REFUGE. This what God was to His people in their exile. Jerusalem had the Temple, with all its grandeur, but it was doomed tosoon destruction. The exiles had something infinitely better- the actualpresence of God among them. His glory would soon leave the Temple,but He did not leave His remnant; He was their SANCTUARY.Brothers and sisters, we are but a small flock. We are having services ina store front, and we are thinking of moving to a house. As we see themega-churches and the grand cathedrals, we may be tempted towonder why it is not so for us. We may even wonder if this church will survive, or if we will slowly dwindle and eventually disband. Let this textremind us not to judge by outward appearance. As long as God is ourrefuge, our SANCTUARY, it does not matter where we meet. Godknows how to preserve His remnant in exile, and He does it by beingtheir sanctuary.III. The second truth I want you to see in this text is that God will gather His exiled covenant people. Verse 17:Therefore say, ‘Thus says the LordGod, “I willgather you from thepeoples and assemble you out of the countries among which youhave been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.”First, notice Who is at work here. God says He will gather and assembleHis remnant out of the peoples. God had scattered them among thenations, and He would unscatter them. The same God that haddelivered His people out of Egypt with a mighty hand would deliver Hisexiles out of captivity in Babylon.Also notice that this promise was unconditional. God does not here sayif the exiles do such and such, I will gather them. No; it is by His grace that He will gather them. God is under no compulsion to gather them;they had done nothing to deserve God’s favor. So why then does Hegather them? Though we are not told explicitly here, God makes itabundantly clear later in this book. Listen as I read from chapter 36,starting in verse 22:22“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the LordGod, “It isnot for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but forMy holy name, which you have profaned among the nations whereyou went.23I willvindicate the holiness of My great name which hasbeen profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in theirmidst. Then thenations will know that I am theLord,” declares theLordGod, “when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight.24ForI willtake you from the nations, gather you from all the lands andbring you into your own land.God does not gather His people because of their deeds; He gathersthem IN SPITE of their deeds. They- and yes, WE- have profaned Hisholy name among the nations, but yet in His grace He gathers us. Hedoes this to bring glory to Himself.One glorious day, God will gather ALL the His people scattered abroad. With the voice of the arch angel and the trump of God, the mighty Lordwill call forth all those He has redeemed by the sacrifice of His Son. Hewill start with dead in Christ, and then He will gather those who are aliveand remain. No good work of ours will compel Him to do this; He will do itof His own free grace, and He will do it to bring glory to His holy name.As if this not enough, God pours grace upon grace. Not only does Hegather the exiles from their captivity, but He also GIVES them the land ofIsrael. Again, they had done nothing to deserve this. They werecovenant breakers just like those haughty souls left in Jerusalem. Theyhad done the very things that God had warned them would cause themto lose possession of Israel. Yet God, in His loving kindness for Hisexiles, gives them back what they deserved to lose. This leads us to thefinal truth I want you to see in this text: God will restore His exiledcovenant people.IV. God will restore His exiled covenant peopleLook back at verses 18 through 20:18When they come there, they willremove all itsdetestable thingsand all its abominations from it.19And I willgive them one heart, andput a new spirit withinthem. And I will take theheart of stone out oftheir flesh and give them aheart of flesh,20that they maywalk in Mystatutes and keep My ordinances and do them. Then they will beMypeople, and I shall be their God.What kind of restoration will this be? It will not be a return to the sinsthat led to the exile in the first place. When His remnant returns to theland, they will put away the idols and the graven images. No more willthey offer their children as sacrifices to false gods. No more will theyworship them in the high places. God will use His returned exiles tocleanse the land of these abominations. They will have “no other godsbefore Him.” Again their confession will be, “Hear, O Israel! Yahweh isour God! Yahweh is One!”God foretells how He will accomplish this feat- how He will transformthese covenant-breaking, idolatrous Israelites into faithful servants whowill keep His Law and cleanse the land. The language is all too familiarto us- at least it should be. He will give them a heart transplant. God willremove the dead, stony heart that is at enmity with Him and His Law,and He will replace it with a living heart- one that loves God and HisLaw. He will change their very nature. He will not force them to obeyHis Law against their will, but He will change their disposition so thatthey willingly obey. They will be “willing in the day of His power.”God gives them the ability, through this heart transplant, to do His will. By giving them new, living hearts, God frees them from their slavery tosin. Notice again that it is God ALONE at work here. None of the exileswill change the disposition of his own heart. This must be accomplishedby God Himself. He will change their nature, and THEN they will walk inHis statutes and keep His ordinances. He will not save them because ofgood works, but He will save them TO DO good works.8 Forby grace you have been savedthrough faith; andthat not ofyourselves,it isthe gift of God;9not as a result of works, so thatnoone may boast.10For we are His workmanship,created inChristJesus forgood works, which Godprepared beforehand so that wewouldwalk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10 NASB)At the end of this promise, God declares “THEN they will be my people,and I will be their God.” But wait a minute; weren’t they already Hispeople? I mean, these were Israelites- the physical fruit of God’scovenant with Abraham. How were they not His people?For they are not all Israel who aredescended from Israel;nor arethey all childrenbecause they are Abraham’s descendants…. (Romans 9:6-7 NASB)Outwardly, these exiles were Jews- they were the beneficiaries of God’scovenant promises. But inwardly, they were still rebels, kicking againstthe goads and at war with the God who preserved them. But this willchange when God circumcises their hearts. THEN, and only then, willthey truly be His people, both outwardly and in the inner parts. THENthey will be truly restored.As wondrous as this restoration is, God has something even moreglorious prepared for us in the New Covenant. Just as the exiles, we toohave been given a new heart to serve God. God has raised us to newlife in Christ, but we still have the old nature. Though we are “bornagain” by God’s Spirit, our flesh still wars against the new spirit. But Godwill grant us restoration. When Christ returns in glory, we will betransformed into His image. The fallen image we inherited from Adamwill be done away with forever. The work God began in our hearts, Hewill finish when He totally conforms us to the likeness of His dear Son.THAT is complete restoration, and it is ours by grace, through faith inChrist Jesus.V. ConclusionAs I close, I want to leave you with a warning and a challenge. First thewarning. Look at verse 21:21But as for those whose hearts go after theirdetestable things andabominations, I willbring their conduct down on their heads,” declaresthe LordGod.The promise of restoration is not for those who continue in their sin. For them, the only promise God gives is judgment.26For if we go onsinning willfully after receivingthe knowledge ofthe truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,27but aterrifying expectation ofjudgment andthe fury of a fire which willconsume the adversaries.28Anyone who has set aside the Law ofMoses dies without mercy onthe testimony of two or threewitnesses.29How much severer punishment do you think he willdeservewho has trampled under foot the Son of God, and hasregarded as uncleanthe blood of the covenantby which he wassanctified, and hasinsulted the Spirit of grace?30For we know Himwho said, “Vengeance is Mine, Iwill repay.” And again, “The Lordwill judge His people.”31It is aterrifying thing to fall into the handsof theliving God. (Hebrews 10:26-31 NASB)Finally, I would challenge you, if God has spoken to you through thistext, do what Ezekiel did! Proclaim it to your fellow exiles! (vv.24-25)24And theSpirit lifted me up and brought me in a vision by theSpirit of God to the exilesin Chaldea. So the vision that I hadseenleft me.25Then Itold the exiles all the things thattheLordhad shown me.

click hereVisit the Recover In Christ web site. Romans 15 1We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 8Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 9And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. 10And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. 11And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. 12And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. 13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 15Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, 16That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 17I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. 18For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, 19Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: 21But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. 22For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. 23But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; 24Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. 25But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 26For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. 27It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 28When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. 29And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. 30Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 31That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; 32That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. 33Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.